Side view of unrecognizable young African American man in casual clothes and backpack using smartphone while standing on city street and waiting for bus
Hey everyone, Michael Gortenburg here!
One of the best ways to really see a city is through its public transit, and Kansas City has a bus system that makes exploring both convenient and affordable. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a night downtown, or just discovering new neighborhoods, riding the bus gives you a front-row seat to everything KC has to offer.
Why Take the Bus in KC
Kansas City’s bus system covers a wide network, making it easy to move between districts without worrying about parking. Riding the bus is not only cost-effective but also a more sustainable way to get around the city. You’ll also find that it gives you a new perspective on familiar streets and neighborhoods when you see them from the bus window.
Key Routes to Know
Some of the most popular routes take you right through the heart of Kansas City. The Main MAX line is one of the most used, running from the River Market through Downtown, Crown Center, and the Plaza. Along this ride, you can hop off for shopping, restaurants, or a quick stop at cultural attractions like Union Station. Other routes connect neighborhoods like Westport, Midtown, and Brookside, giving you a chance to explore the city’s diverse character.
What to Expect on the Ride
KC buses are modern and accessible, with features like bike racks and free Wi-Fi on many routes. The ride itself is usually smooth and relaxed, making it easy to catch up on emails, read a book, or just enjoy the scenery. For those visiting, it’s also a great way to meet locals and get recommendations on places to go next.
Tips for Bus Travel in KC
Make sure to check the RideKC app or website for real-time updates on schedules and routes. Having exact fare or a bus pass ready makes boarding quicker, and planning your trip ahead of time ensures you’ll get where you want to go without unnecessary stress.
Discovering the City One Stop at a Time
Taking the bus is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s an opportunity to slow down and notice parts of Kansas City you might otherwise miss. From the bustling energy of Downtown to the historic charm of the Plaza, each ride connects you to a new part of the city.
Exploring KC by bus is an easy and enjoyable way to get to know the city better. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I encourage you to give it a try and see where the route takes you.
What’s your favorite bus line or KC neighborhood to explore? Share your ideas in the comments or connect with me on social!
Kansas City transforms into a magical destination during the winter months, offering a mix of cozy indoor attractions and festive outdoor activities. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in the city during the cold season, these spots showcase the vibrancy and charm of KC.
The Crown Center Ice Terrace isa winter staple for Kansas City residents and visitors alike. This outdoor ice rink offers a picturesque setting to glide under the crisp winter sky, surrounded by the sparkling city skyline. After enjoying some time on the ice, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee from the nearby cafes.
Country Club Plazaoffers a variety of local boutiques and dining options to round out your visit. Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and dazzling holiday lights, the Plaza becomes even more enchanting during the colder months. Take advantage of post-holiday sales and seasonal promotions at the Plaza’s array of shops. Many stores feature discounts on winter apparel, home goods, and accessories, making it an ideal time to refresh your wardrobe or find souvenirs.
The West Bottoms district offers a truly distinctive winter shopping experience, perfect for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures. Its historic warehouses, now home to vintage stores and antique shops, create a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Each store is packed with unique finds, including furniture, collectibles, décor, and more, making it a favorite spot for both serious antique hunters and casual shoppers. Many shops serve warm drinks, adding a cozy touch to your visit.
The Campground is a hidden gem in the Stockyards District that offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for winter evenings. This combined bar and eatery has a cabin-like vibe with a modern twist, featuring warm lighting, wood accents, and a welcoming fireplace. Known for its inventive cocktails and a menu that celebrates locally sourced ingredients, it’s an ideal spot for an intimate night out. Try one of its seasonal cocktails or hearty dishes that perfectly complement the chilly weather.
For those who love live music and a laid-back vibe, the Green Lady Lounge is a fantastic option. This classic jazz club, with its dim lighting and vintage decor, creates a cozy and intimate setting perfect for unwinding during the winter months. The comfortable seating and excellent drink menu make it an inviting space for guests to enjoy Kansas City’s rich jazz heritage in style.
Explore more live music venues in KC in this blog!
Winter in Kansas City is filled with endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the season. From unique attractions to cozy spots, each destination offers something memorable to make your winter truly special. To discover even more ways to embrace the season, don’t miss my blog on Favorite Winter Activities in Kansas City. There’s always something new and exciting to experience during the winter in KC!
I know winter is still a few months away, but if you’re hoping to plan a wintertime visit to Kansas City, now’s the perfect time to start prepping. Here are some of my favorite wintertime activities as a Kansas City native.
See a Show
Distract yourself from the cold by attending a show that’ll be sure to capture your attention. Attend a symphony or concert at the Kauffman Center or be dazzled by a Broadway performance. There are plenty of shows in the city that will be sure to capture your imagination.
Skiing
Did you know that Kansas City is a great place for winter sports? There’s no better time to hit the slopes with your friends and family than in the winter. Be sure to take advantage of the weather and swing by Snow Creek. There are slopes for a range of different skill levels and lessons available for beginners.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a classic wintertime for a reason and is an easier and more accessible physical activity for those who are unable to ski. It’s the perfect way to embrace the cold with friends and family and lucky for the residents of Kansas City, we have eight rinks in the area to choose from. For first-time skaters who are nervous about falling onto the ice, remember that everyone’s been there.
Visit Museums
Avoid the cold and learn something new by taking a stroll through one of several museums located in Kansas City. History, music, and sports lovers alike have plenty of options to choose from so whether you’re a visit or just a resident looking for something to do, give one of our local museums a visit. If you want to read about my favorite museums, read my blog about it here .
Go Beer Tasting
Missing the lively environment of a brewery in the summertime? Take the opportunity to enjoy a beer tasting with friends at a great local brewery. Visit Boulevard Brewing Co., where two expert guides break down the creation of all the kinds of beer served by the brewery and provide visitors with a beer tasting and a selection of snacks that pair perfectly.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we all have to stop having fun. Next time you’re in Kansas City during the cold winter months, consider one of these options, and you’ll be sure to forget the cold in no time.
Knowing which bag to use when traveling is essential. No one wants to be stuck carrying their items around all day, but you also don’t want to overcompensate with something bulky that could get in your way. So here are my recommendations for bags to fit each possible travel situation:
For Day Travel: Fanny Pack
It’s a staple for a reason. It’s compact and convenient, having enough space for a phone, cash, wallet, and other necessities. These bags are handy when walking around a city for the day or visiting different tourist attractions. It keeps all your essentials in close reach and will take the weight off your shoulders.
For Hiking: Sports Backpack
If you’re planning a hiking trip, a good outdoor pack is essential to your preparation. Depending on the length of your hike, you’ll want a bag with enough room to support essentials like water and food. However, it’s also important to keep weight in mind. You don’t want a bag weighing on your back while hiking.
For Cross Country Road Trips: Duffel Bag
Packing for a cross-country road trip can be tricky. Depending on how many people will be in the car with you, you don’t want to pack too much and be squished together for hours. But you also don’t want to lack any other essentials you’ll need during your trek. I’ve found that a decently sized duffel bag provides enough room to pack what you need and get to it with ease in a cramped car.
For International Exploring: Large Suitcase
International travel brings about a whole different set of items necessary for you to bring. I highly recommend investing in a suitcase large enough to cover your time abroad. Some carry-on bags provide a lot of room for you to pack heavy, but if you’re willing to check a bag, you may as well go all the way. Pack smart, but ensure you’ve covered all the bases for more extended trips abroad that contain everything you’ll need. If you want to know more about how to prepare for a long-haul flight, check out my blog here.
Knowing which bag will be the most helpful on your trips is essential whether you’re packing heavy or light. Think about what to prioritize and pack accordingly!
It’s finally summer, and if it’s anything like the past few weeks, the heat will continue to be scorching. The high temperatures can stop you from enjoying the outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and make the most of your summer. I want to share some of the best items for summer that will keep you cool while you soak in the sunshine.
Portable Fan
Unless you’re planted on a beach, you may lack a breeze to help break the heat. A small, portable fan can bring the breeze to you and keep you cool wherever you are. I like to have it on hand when I know I’ll be sitting in the same spot outside for a long time. An outdoor concert or show becomes all the more tolerable in the heat when you’ve got this in your back pocket.
Compact Speaker
Whether you’re spending time soaking up the sun in the yard or hosting a barbecue for the neighborhood, a speaker is sure to liven things up. I recommend a more compact model so you can bring it with you on any trips to the park or beach.
Reusable Water Bottle
Dehydration is no joke, and if you plan to spend any time in the sun, you should plan to stay hydrated. A reusable water bottle you can bring on the go will make it easy to drink and refill on your journey.
A Sun Hat
The best way to protect yourself from the sun is coverage. Any kind of hat, whether it’s a baseball cap to support your favorite team or a wide-brimmed hat, will protect your scalp and face from burning and help keep you cool while you’re outside. These seasonal hats come with all sorts of brim sizes, so you can pick how much coverage you want.
Picnic Blanket
If you’re anything like me, you love spending time outdoors during summertime. But sometimes places to sit, especially parks on a busy day, can be hard to come by. I suggest keeping a picnic blanket on hand for any park, beach, or concert outings. I prefer ones with an easy-to-clean, waterproof underside, so I don’t have to worry about any mess.
Summer is a beautiful season with plenty of great outdoor activities to explore, but higher temperatures can sometimes interrupt plans. I hope some of these items will help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer!
If you’d like to see some other seasonal travel tips from me, check out my blog here.
It’s finally summer, and, if it’s anything like the past few weeks, the heat will continue to be scorching. The high temperatures can stop you from enjoying the outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and make the most of your summer. I want to share some of the best items for summer that will keep you cool while you soak in the sunshine.
Portable Fan
Unless you’re planted on a beach, you may lack a breeze to help break the heat. A small, portable fan can bring the breeze to you and keep you cool wherever you are. I like to have it on hand when I know I’ll be sitting in the same spot outside for a long time. An outdoor concert or show becomes all the more tolerable in the heat when you’ve got this in your back pocket.
Compact Speaker
Whether you’re spending time soaking up the sun in the yard or hosting a barbecue for the neighborhood, a speaker is sure to liven things up. I recommend a more compact model so you can bring it with you on any trips to the park or beach.
Reusable Water Bottle
Dehydration is no joke, and if you plan to spend any time in the sun, you should plan to stay hydrated. A reusable water bottle you can bring on the go will make it easy to drink and refill on your journey.
A Sun Hat
The best way to protect yourself from the sun is coverage. Any kind of hat, whether it’s a baseball cap to support your favorite team, or a wide-brimmed hat, will protect your scalp and face from burning and help keep you cool while you’re outside. These seasonal hats come with all sorts of brim sizes, so you can pick how much coverage you want.
Picnic Blanket
If you’re anything like me, you love spending time outdoors during summertime. But sometimes places to sit, especially parks on a busy day, can be hard to come by. I suggest keeping a picnic blanket on hand for any park, beach, or concert outings. I prefer ones with an easy-to-clean, waterproof underside, so I don’t have to worry about any mess.
Summer is a beautiful season with plenty of great outdoor activities to explore, but higher temperatures can sometimes interrupt plans. I hope some of these items will help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer!
If you’d like to see some other seasonal travel tips from me, check out my blog here[1] .
Traveling to faraway destinations expands our perspective, but sometimes getting there can be rough. Some of the flights to these destinations can reach up to 24 hours, making for an unpleasant experience no matter how well seasoned of a traveler you are. Here are some of my tips on how to prepare for a long-haul flight:
Move Around When You Can
Take advantage of your time in the terminal while you can. Before getting on the plane, take a lap around the terminal and try to get in as many steps as you can before boarding. When it’s safe to move in the cabin, try to stretch briefly in the aisles periodically. It’s never comfortable being cooped up in the same position for long, so don’t forget to stretch your muscles.
Pack Your Own Snacks
Depending on which airline you use, long-haul flights are more likely to provide meals and snacks for you to choose from. However, if their meal selection isn’t up to your taste and their snacks do little to satisfy your appetite, your own snacks will help keep your stomach happy during your travels.
Stay Hydrated
Airplane bathrooms are never ideal to use, but with that many hours of travel ahead of you, it’s best to make proper hydration a priority. Don’t skimp out on drinking water because you want to avoid the bathroom at all costs. You don’t want to arrive at your destination with a headache. Instead, drink water regularly so you can be ready to take on your itinerary when you land.
Try to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Jet lag when traveling for long periods of time across time zones is inevitable. But with so much time on your hands, you may as well try to adjust your schedule while you can. Better now than in the middle of your vacation. Try taking something natural like a melatonin pill to help you fall asleep outside your usual timeframe.
Get Your Entertainment Ready
Download any music, movies, or TV shows in case the in-flight Wi-Fi is down, or the provided movie selection isn’t to your taste. The last thing you want is to be stuck for ten or more hours with nothing to do because you forgot to download your favorite movies or shows beforehand.
If you prepare properly for a long-haul flight, you can make the most of your time and savor it as part of the travel experience.
If you want to read more of my traveling tips and tricks, check out my blog here.
Any sports fan is likely to already own merchandise from their favorite team so finding a new sports-themed gift they’ll like can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for those looking to get something for the sports lovers in their lives.
Cooler
Whether someone’s tailgating or hosting a watch party at home, coolers are a sports game essential. No one wants to drink warm beers during the game. Whether it’s shelling out for a Yeti or grabbing a budget friendly Igloo, there’s options that fit any price range. The sports fan you’re shopping for will be grateful for the addition to their collection.
Noise Reduction Earplugs
Everyone loves to hear the roar of the crowd at sports games but exposing yourself to that much noise often enough can cause damage to your ears. Earplugs will still let them hear the roar of the crowd without developing an earache afterward. If you’ve got a sports fan frequenting games, consider buying them a pair of noise reduction earplugs. Their ears will be sure to thank you.
Ticket Diary
For the sentimental type, a ticket diary might be the perfect way for them to capture every big game they go to. Long gone are the days of haphazard stacks of ticket stubs. Instead, this album can help organize and display their tickets, so no memory gets misplaced.
BBQ Equipment
Another tailgating essential, cooking barbecue is a surefire way to elevate any sports fan’s game experience. Whether it’s a set of grilling utensils or even a small portable grill that can fit in their trunk, there’s plenty of useful accessories to choose from. No one wants to pay the high prices of stadium food so making sure to eat before the big game is needed for anyone to save money. Gifting barbecue equipment can take your tailgate to the next level for the upcoming season.
Buying a gift for someone you love isn’t always easy. You want to make sure you get them something that they’ll love and appreciate. I hope that, with these gifts, you’ll be able to elevate the experience of any sports fan in your life.
And if you or your sports fan find yourselves visiting Kansas City anytime soon, learn more about visiting Kauffman Stadium here.
Today, I wanted to share my take on one of the many places that I’ve been fortunate to visit within the last couple of years: Croatia. It is a place that many people in the United States might not know much about – as it doesn’t get a lot of attention in movies, TV shows or other forms of media. Yet, it is a place that I consider to be one of the best destinations for those who like to explore.
When most Americans think of traveling to Europe, they think of the usual tourist destinations like London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin. And while these typical locations are certainly worthy of praise, frequent travelers might want to consider trying something new and venturing further east to Croatia.
Undiscovered Gem
With a population of only four million, Croatia is located in Southeastern Europe, far from the typical European tourist destinations, in an area known as the Balkan States. This “out of the way” placement has allowed Croatia to quietly develop into a unique destination of its own, without being overrun with tourists.
The country is set along the Adriatic Sea (a part of the Mediterranean) and has many charming towns and natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking to hike lush forests and trails that provide you with unmatched views, or if you would rather be sitting seaside basking in the sun – there’s something for everyone.
Coastal Towns
As opposed to a sprawling metropolis like Paris, Croatia’s biggest draws are its relatively small coastal towns. Perhaps the most popular of these is Split – a beautiful seaside city with a large port where cruises will often stop for a day. Split, like many places in Eastern Europe, has a sort of “old world” feel to it. The town is surrounded by white stone walls, and the orange tiled roofing of almost all of its buildings give the area a distinct Mediterranean quality.
Other worthwhile places to check out if you’re in the area include: Rovinj, Zadar, and Rab. You’ll notice that these types of towns have a consistent feel to them; however, they are uniquely Croatian.
I would recommend enjoying these towns during the sunny and breezy summer months. Croatia stays fairly sunny year-round – but it can get a little chilly during the winter. However, Kansas City gets far colder!
Living the Best Life
As I mentioned before, there is a sort of old-world appeal to Croatia and when you visit, you will learn to appreciate its slower paced lifestyle. Almost all of the areas I visited are very walkable or accessible by mass transportation, so traffic is not really an issue. There weren’t any booming car stereos, fast food chains or a Super Walmart.
Many Croatians enjoy a calmer, more peaceful approach to life. Many work in artisanal shops, walk from place to place and have a more modest view of things than many of us here at home.
As for food, Croatian cuisine is delicious. Their seafood is incredibly good, and their desserts are even better. I enjoyed several different types of desert pastries, cakes and other sweets. Amazingly, Croatians remain very healthy despite all of the tempting food – it must be the frequent walking.
*****
Ultimately, I rank Croatia as one of my favorite places to visit. It is such a unique experience for anyone coming from the United States, and its distinct culture allow Croatia to remain a place that is truly its own. It is certainly worth a visit from any traveler.
You can get a stylish room for a decent price on Airbnb if you know how to properly use the platform.
It never ceases to amaze me just how dramatically technology
can change the way we live our lives. When the personal computer was
introduced, it took a couple of years for use to become mainstream – but now
you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t use a computer throughout
the day.
Now with the smart phone and constant access to the
internet, we have more options available to us than ever before and entire
industries are being revolutionized – including the travel industry.
For those who might not know, Airbnb is a platform that
allows users to host/rent rooms with a simple tap of the finger. Hosts prepare
a room in their home or property and place an ad on the platform which then
allows guests to browse and secure dates for the room as needed. Airbnb rooms
essentially function as a less expensive hotel room – or even an apartment for
long-term use.
The great thing about Airbnb is that it gives shared control
of the stay to the host and guest, without corporate policies getting in the
way of a mutually beneficial deal. And Airbnb rooms can be found all over the
world – opening up new traveling options that would otherwise be impossible.
Today, I’d like to share some quick tips for using Airbnb to
maximize your traveling plans.
Review the Listing Carefully
Reading the full review and paying attention to small details can mean the difference between an amazing stay and a bad experience.
It goes without saying that you should take a careful look
at any listing before booking. Some hosts will have “creative” ads to entice
guests, and while they may have the best intentions, you want to ensure that
the place fits your expectations on your trip.
For example, sometimes a room may be described as “cozy” but
should really say “small.” Or if a listing says “private” but doesn’t indicate
a separate room – there may just be a curtain blocking your bed from view of three
other people in a shared room.
Make sure to look at the photos that are posted. Does the
room look clean? Does it show all of the things listed in the ad? A picture is
worth a thousand words.
Most Airbnb hosts are honest enough with their listings (they
want good reviews after all), but it’s always best to really look over the ad
to avoid any disappointment. Speaking of reviews, read them. Reviews will also
give insight into the listing as well as the host. If a host has dozens of
positive reviews claiming that the spot is a good deal, is clean, is
convenient, etc. – then it’s a safe bet that you will enjoy your stay there.
Like all things, learning how to spot a good deal on Airbnb
can take some time and experience. The higher the price for your stay, the
nicer the place will be – but you can find some really good deals on a room
that fits both your expectations and budget with a little investigating.
Booking for Deals
Book your room at the rice place at the right time for extra savings on your trip.
When you are booking Airbnb rooms, it’s important to
understand and anticipate any fluctuations that may affect pricing. For
example, if the place you’re traveling to has a tourist season, the prices
might be higher during a time when more people are booking Airbnb stays.
Naturally, hosts don’t want to lose out on any opportunities
so keep this in mind when booking your stay. One way to grab the best deals and
the best rooms is by booking weeks in advance. One of the benefits to Airbnb is
being able to seamlessly secure a stay, but you will get better deals and
better rooms by taking the time to book early.
Depending on how long you will be in the area, you may want
to book for extended stays (a couple of weeks or even months.) Airbnb and even
hosts will factor in discounts for extended stays – saving you hundreds of
dollars that you would have otherwise paid for the spot.
When you do book a room –MAKE SURE YOU BOOK
THROUGH TO THE NEXT DAY!
Airbnb calculates the last day as move-out day, so book
through to the day you want to leave.
Contacting Hosts & Support
Airbnb has a phenomenal customer support team who are
available at all hours in case there is an issue with your stay. If you are
unhappy with your room or if you cannot contact the host – the Airbnb support
team will work tirelessly to address your concerns.
They are also known to offer you discounts or comped
services if things don’t work out with your experience. For example, if a host
accepts your booking but does not coordinate with you for your arrival, you may
want to contact Airbnb support as they can offer you hundreds of dollars in
credit toward another room. That means you will get a much nicer stay for the
same price.
Also, it is always a good idea to contact hosts prior to
your stay. Some hosts leave their listings in auto-accept, but may never check
their app – meaning they might not know that you’re arriving! To avoid any
issues with your trip, just contact the host through the Airbnb platform before
your stay and sure up everything.
Final Thoughts
Travel the globe and get great places to stay through the power of your mobile phone.
Airbnb’s are a great experience and a great deal for anyone
looking to travel on a budget or for people who want to avoid stuffy hotels. A
lot of Airbnb rooms are really nice places with even nicer hosts who will
entertain you and give you a glimpse into the life of a local.
When you use Airbnb, make sure that you are respectful and
treat the room as if it were your own. There is a review system after all,
which could determine your opportunities later on. And make sure to leave an
honest review of your stay – it keeps the platform accurate and hosts always
appreciate good feedback and credibility.
Hopefully you can use these tips on your next trip if you’re
interested in using Airbnb.
Michael Gortenburg 